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  • About ACA
    • Mission, Vision & Values
    • Overview & Principles
    • Statement of Faith
    • Faculty & Administration
    • Course Sequence
  • Admissions
    • Admissions Hub
    • Admissions Process
    • Tour Registration
    • 20-21 Tuition & Fees
    • FAQ
    • Apply Online
  • Covid Mitigation
    • COVID Screening
  • Current Families
    • 20-21 Calendar
    • Live Streaming Guide
    • Parent Resources
    • ACA Athletic Store
    • Foghorn Blog
    • Next Steps Guidance
    • FACTS Family Portal
    • Schoology
    • Board Information
  • Employment
  • Donate Today

'19-'20 Course Offerings

7th Grade 
Old Testament Survey
Students in Old Testament journey through the Old Testament which corresponds perfectly with their study of Ancient History. 

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH
Curriculum: Various

English 7
During English 7, students will thoroughly explore the parts of speech and sentence patterns. Students will identify structural and stylistic elements to apply to their own compositions by reading excellent works of literature. Through assignments and discussion, students will evaluate literature from a biblical worldview.

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH
Satellite Days: M, W, F (1.5 hr each)

Curriculum:
  • Institute for Excellence in Writing Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons, 4th Edition STUDENT BOOK
  • The Creative Writer Level One: Five Finger Exercises*
  • Analytical Grammar: Student Book* 
  • Novels to be determined, but intentionally chosen to complement the Ancient History course
(*These texts will be utilized multiple academic years.)

Ancient History
Students will journey across the millennia from the creation of man through the Renaissance and Reformation. We will visit ancient Sumer, Egypt, and Persia; explore Greek culture; conquer the world with Rome; journey across Europe to Israel in the Crusades; and experience the re-awakening of the Renaissance and Reformation. Students will gain an understanding of the flow of civilizations, with particular emphasis upon Jewish and Christian history. We will explore cultures, religions, and ideas that shaped nations. Class time will involve discussion and deeper exploration of the topics in the textbook. We will discuss God’s hand in human history and His purposes for mankind. Mapping activities will help students understand the where and why of events and nations. Students will explore various people and events through their own research for projects and papers, some of which will be presented to the class.

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH
Satellite Days: M, W, F

Curriculum:
  • A Beka: History of the World in Christian Perspective, 5th Ed., (student textbook)
  • World History Map Activities by Walch Publishing,
  • 3-ring binder with 5 divider tabs, notebook paper
OPTIONAL (Great resources to have on hand):
Famous Men of Greece, Famous Men of Rome, Famous Men of the Middle Ages, and Famous Men of the Renaissance & Reformation (by Memoria Press or Greenleaf Press).
Architectural books by David Macaulay: Pyramid, City, Castle, Cathedral, and Mosque.

Pre-Algebra
This class will introduce your student to all basic pre-algebra and introductory geometry concepts. These include negative numbers, expanded notation, solving for an unknown, properties of mathematics, absolute value, ratio and proportion, basic operations with polynomials, surface area of solids, volume, and irrational numbers.

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH
Satellite Days: M, W, F (1 hr each)

Curriculum: Math-U-See with supplements
  • Math-U-See Student Pack – includes Pre-Algebra Student Workbook and Tests.
  • Math-U-See Instruction Manual
  • Optional: DVD & Manipulative Blocks with Algebra Decimal inserts OR Pre-Algebra Digital Pack.
​
General Science with Labs
We will discover God’s infinite power and wisdom as we study His creation in detail. Our learning focus will be hands-on, with weekly laboratory experiments to encourage a LOVE of science while preparing for higher-level courses. In weekly laboratories, we will make fossils, manipulate simple machines, learn about the environment with an edible wetland design, experiment with forces, study and illustrate specimens of God’s creation under the microscope, perform dissections, and more. Central days will include lecture, Q&A, discussion, homework review with games and prizes, and weekly labs. The material will be reinforced on satellite days through reading, on-your-own questions, drawings, projects and laboratory assignments as detailed in the accompanying Student Notebook. Tests will be administered at home. We will cover a variety of science topics from a Christian worldview including laboratory safety, the scientific method, designing experiments, simple machines, archaeology, geology, and paleontology. The final ten weeks of the course will cover biology, human anatomy and physiology, to fulfill the requirement for human health.

Teacher: 
​Central Days: T, TH
Satellite Days: M, W, F 

Curriculum & Supplies:
  • Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science textbook, 2nd edition.
  • Exploring Creation with General Science Student Notebook, 2nd edition. 
  • Notebook, paper and pencil, scientific calculator.

Study Skills
This class assists students to adjust to the higher expectations of middle and high school. We will explore learning styles, time management, study strategies, note taking, organization techniques, and develop keyboarding skills. 

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH (fall semester)
Satellite Days: W, F (XX hr each)

Curriculum: Various

Informal Logic
Description coming soon. 

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH (spring semester)
Curriculum: Art of Argument
8th Grade  
New Testament Survey
Description coming soon!

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH

Curriculum: Various

English 8
English 8 will pair exercises in structure and style with creative writing to develop a toolbox of writing techniques. Students will master essays and implement writing skills in various genres of written communication. Grammar study will solidify oral and written confidence in correct usage. Students will analyze literature from a biblical worldview.

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH

Curriculum:
  • Institute for Excellence in Writing U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons, 1st Edition 2017
  • The Creative Writer Level One: Five Finger Exercises*
  • Analytical Grammar: Student Book*
  • Novels to be determined, but intentionally chosen to complement the American History course.                                 
(*These texts will be utilized multiple academic years.)

American History
This course takes an in-depth look at United States history from the explorers through the Civil War.  Factual content is presented side-by-side with Biblical principles.  Students have opportunities to talk with “visitors” from various time periods in their studies as well as see artifacts up close.  Students will complete studies of each president they cover, keep a geography notebook, complete short-term projects, and study art and music of the various eras of U.S. history. PA history is included in this course to fulfill the requirement for PA history.

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH

Curriculum:
  • A Beka America, Land I Love, 3rd Edition 
  • A Beka Geography: Studies and Projects of the Western Hemisphere, 3rd Edition 
  • A Beka Civics Activity Book 

Algebra I
After a brief review of skills covered in Pre-Algebra, students dive into solving more complex equations using a variety of methods.  Graphing lines is covered in detail, including slope-intercept formula, finding slope from given points, graphing parallel and perpendicular lines, and graphing inequalities.  Students will study polynomials and operations with polynomials, as well as factoring polynomials, trinomials with coefficients, and repeated factoring of polynomials.  Also covered are fractional exponents, scientific notation and bases other than ten.  *This course has an honors option which expands upon topics being taught.

Teacher: 
Central Days: M, T, TH

Prerequisite: successful completion of pre-algebra at ACA OR successful completion of placement test
Curriculum: Math-U-See with supplements
  • Math-U-See Student Pack – includes Algebra 1 Student Workbook and Tests.
  • Math-U-See Algebra 1 Instruction Manual
  • ​Optional: DVD & Manipulative Blocks with Algebra Decimal inserts OR Algebra I Digital Pack.

Physical Science with Labs
Studying and experimenting with God’s physical creation allows us to marvel at His immense wisdom, power, and love for His creation. This course focuses on hands-on experimentation to support learning a broad variety of topics in Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science. Each student will master laboratory safety, the scientific method, math skills required for experimentation and will learn physical science by doing physical science. Through a Christian worldview, we will examine the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, weather, the structure of the earth, environmentalism, the physics of motion, Newton’s Laws, gravity, and the solar system and more! We will learn by experimentation and projects involving electrical circuits, magnetism, chemical reactions, and gravity, including an egg-drop contest and a fun build-and-launch your own rocket unit. Central days will consist of weekly lab projects, lecture, Q and A, discussion, reinforcement through games and quizzes, and homework review. The material will be reinforced on satellite days through reading, on-your-own questions, drawings, projects and laboratory assignments as detailed in the accompanying Student Notebook. Tests will be administered at home.

Teacher: 
HS Credit: 1   (Honors level available)
Central Days: M, T, TH

Prerequisite: must be also taking Algebra I​
Curriculum & Supplies:
  • Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science textbook, 2nd edition
  • Exploring Creation with Physical Science Student Notebook, 2nd edition
  • Notebook, paper and pencil, scientific calculator.

Formal Logic
Description coming soon!

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH (fall semester)

Curriculum: 

​
Health
Description coming soon!

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH (spring semester)

Curriculum: Various
9th Grade ​
Intro to Biblical Studies
This course provides students with the tools necessary for studying the Bible within its original context (exegetical/inductive study). An approach to Bible study is taught which includes historical & literary background, textual observations, interpretive comments, and personal/present-day application. Also, this course provides a background to the development of the Bible throughout Christian History. This course will conclude with a brief introduction to biblical languages.

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH
HS Credit: .75  (with option to earn 1 credit)

Curriculum: various

Foundations of Literature & Composition
Students will develop a solid foundation in literary analysis and academic writing. Literature selections will correspond to themes or locations in World Cultures & Geography. Class will be discussion-oriented. Students will need to purchase the books listed below. (If you choose to borrow books from the library, you must plan ahead to be sure you have them during discussion weeks.)
            Concepts in literary analysis will include but not be limited to: setting, theme, plot, characterization, mood, tone, conflict, and point of view. We will explore literary devices such as personification, alliteration, allegory, metaphor, symbolism, and foreshadowing. We will ask questions regarding the author’s perspective and discuss how our worldview can affect our understanding of people and literature.
            This class will also seek to develop solid writing skills so that students are able to comfortably structure and write a 5-paragraph essay and are confident in working on a longer paper over a period of time. Grammar instruction will review sentence structure and will establish a solid foundation in proper punctuation, capitalization, active vs. passive voice, transitional words and phrases, complex sentence structure, etc. In addition to quality academic writing, we will explore the process of writing our own creative short stories and poems.

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH
HS Credit: 1

Curriculum:
  • Institute for Excellence in Writing Student Resource Notebook by Lori Verstegen
  • Institute for Excellence in Writing The Elegant Essay Writing Lessons (Student) by Lesha Myers
  • Analytical Grammar: Student Book by Robin Finley (copyright 1996) – we will complete Units 18-35; students are expected to know Units 1-17, though we will review & reinforce
 Novels:
  • Around the World in 80 Days, Jules Verne
  • Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
  • Call of the Wild, Jack London
  • Lost in the Barrens, Farley Mowat
  • Bruchko, Bruce Olson**
  • Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare
  • Animal Farm, George Orwell
  • Son of Hamas, Mosab Hassan Yousef
  • The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery
  • Other Voices, Other Vistas, Ed. Barbara Solomon (Signet Classics)
  • Peace Child, Don Richardson
  • The Great Divorce, C. S. Lewis
  • No Exit, Jean Paul Sartre

World Cultures and Geography
Students will journey around the world, discovering people and places, nations and cultures quite different from our own. The curriculum focuses on developing your own map of each continent, ultimately creating a free-hand map of the world from memory. We will map political and geographical features as we move across the globe and touch briefly on the history, culture, religion, climate, and economics of each area. Students will supplement map work with research for papers and projects connected to each continent. Though the task sounds daunting, knowing your world contributes to understanding its people.

Teacher: 
Central Days: T, TH
HS Credit: 1

Curriculum: Mapping the World by Heart, by David J. Smith
Rand McNally Atlas of World Geography, 6th Edition
Chu, Daniel and Elliott Skinner, A Glorious Age in Africa: The Story of Three Great African Empires, Africa World Press, Inc., 2000
World Magazine, Teen Edition

Geometry
Geometry is the study of “earth measurement,” and builds an understanding of how we can measure and construct from the smallest point to the more complex.  The course covers points, lines, rays, line segments, and planes.  Angles are studied in-depth, as are triangles.  Students study regular polygons and learn to determine interior and exterior angles, perimeter and area.  Volume is covered as well as surface area.  Special attention is paid to triangles.  Students spend the final quarter of the year learning to write proofs.  There is a brief introduction to trigonometric functions.   *This course has an honors option which expands upon topics being taught. 

Teacher: 
Central Days: M, T, TH
HS Credit: 1    (Honors level available)
Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra I at ACA OR successful completion of placement test
Curriculum: Math-U-See with supplements
  • Math-U-See Student Pack - includes Geometry Student Workbook and Tests.   
  • Math-U-See Geometry Instruction Manual

Biology with Labs
Biology is the exciting study of life and how God created and cares for His living organisms. Students will obtain a strong background in Biology and the scientific method through weekly laboratory experiments focusing on the five-kingdoms of life from a Christian view.  We will experiment with microscopy and scientific illustration, dissection of plants and animals, physiological experiments, stream and field studies and surveys, edible cell model design, and more. Another important requirement of the class is the weekly study of and memorization of scientific word roots from Greek and Latin roots. This rote learning of 10-20 word roots each week will prove invaluable to students in the future study of all branches of science.  Central days will consist of weekly lab projects, lecture, Q and A and discussion, reinforcement through games and quizzes, and homework review. Satellite days will be used for reading, completion of laboratory experiments and reports, completion of On Your Own questions, word-root review, and other assignments. Weekly word-root quizzes will be given in class. Tests will be administered at home.

Teacher: 
Central Days:  M, T, TH
HS Credit: 1  (Honors level available)
Prerequisite: must be also taking Geometry
Curriculum: 
  • Apologia Exploring Creation with Biology textbook, 2nd edition
  • Notebook, paper and pencil, scientific calculator
​
Spanish I
Students develop an understanding of the grammar, syntax, and usage of the Spanish language in oral and written form. Verb tenses include present, present progressive, and simple preterite verbs. Students learn to converse and write simply about themselves and others using skits and dialogues with topics including family, sports, home, and city. They also learn about cultural events in Spanish-speaking countries. Students recite simple Bible verses and pray in Spanish. 

Teacher: 
Central Days: M, T, TH
HS Credit: 1

Curriculum: Various

French I
By the end of French 1 students should be able to hold simple conversations with friends or family regarding likes and dislikes, and everyday situations.  They will learn 3 groups of regular verbs as well as many irregular verbs, and will be introduced to some past tense and future tense constructions.  They will learn negative constructions with verbs, adjectives and adjective agreement, adverb usage, pronoun substitutions, and other grammatical constructions.  Vocabulary will include activities and hobbies, requests, people, making plans, asking for opinions, places, and more.  Reading, writing, and speaking are integral parts of the course, and class participation is expected.


​Central Days: M, T, TH
​HS Credit: 1

Curriculum: Various
10th Grade
Church History
Description coming soon!


Central Days: T, TH
HS Credit: .75  (with option to earn 1 credit)

Curriculum: various

World Literature
Description Coming Soon!


Central Days: T, TH
HS Credit: 1

Curriculum:
Novels:

World History

Teacher: TBD
HS Credit: 1
Central Days: T, TH

Curriculum: 

Algebra II
This class will build on the algebra concepts taught in Algebra 1 and introduce your student to advanced algebra concepts. These include solving for an unknown; solving simultaneous equations by graphing, substitution, and elimination; square roots; factoring polynomials, dividing polynomials, graphing conic sections, and the quadratic formula.  

Teacher: TBD
Central Days: M, T, TH
​HS Credit: 1   (Honors level available)

Prerequisite: successful completion of Geometry at ACA OR successful completion of placement test
Curriculum: Math-U-See with supplements
  • Math-U-See Student Pack: Student Text and Test Booklet  
  • Math-U-See Algebra 2 Instructor Manual with Lesson Book
​
Consumer Math
Description coming soon!

Targeted Grade Level: 11th, 12th
Teacher: TBD
Central Days: M, T, TH 
Satellite Day Work Load: W, F (1 hour each)
HS Credit: 1  
Prerequisite: 
Curriculum:

Chemistry with Labs
Chemistry is the awesome study of everything God created-matter! Through experiments and demonstrations, chemistry will come alive as we explore the composition and properties of the world around us. In the laboratory, students will experiment weekly to understand how and why substances react in their surroundings. Beginning with a review of safety, scientific measurement and mathematics, we will cover the topics of significant figures, units, classification, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, redox reactions, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, the gas laws, and equilibrium. Central days will consist of weekly lab experiments, lecture, Q&A, discussion, reinforcement through games and quizzes, and homework review. Satellite days will be used for reading, completion of laboratory experiments and reports, completion of On Your Own questions, and other assignments. Tests will be administered at home.

Teacher: TBD
Central Days: M, T, TH
HS Credit: 1    (Honors level available)

Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra I at ACA; must be also taking Algebra II​
Curriculum & Supplies:
  • Apologia Exploring Creation with Chemistry textbook, 2nd edition 
  • Notebook, paper and pencil, scientific calculator (A Texas Instruments TI30Xa or equivalent is sufficient)

French II
Description coming soon!


​Central Days: M, T, TH
​HS Credit: 1

Curriculum: Various (supplied)

Spanish II
Students continue to develop an understanding of the grammar, syntax, and usage of the Spanish language in oral and written form. Verb tenses include present, present and past progressive, preterite, imperfect, and possibly future and perfect tenses. Using varied activities such as dialogue presentations, skits, a puppet show, a fashion show and writing booklets, students learn to read, converse and write in a more complex manner using vocabulary about pastimes, clothing, cars, and animals. They complete a cultural study of a Spanish-speaking country. Students recite more advanced Bible verses. 


Central Days: M, T, TH
HS Credit: 1

Curriculum: Various (supplied)
​Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish I
11th and 12th Grades
Church History
Description coming soon!


Central Days: T, TH
HS Credit: .75  (with option to earn 1 credit)

Curriculum: various

World Literature
Description Coming Soon!


Central Days: T, TH
HS Credit: 1

Curriculum:
Novels:
​​**Provided by ACA

World History

Teacher: TBD
HS Credit: 1
Central Days: T, TH

Curriculum: 

Precalculus

Teacher: TBD
Central Days: M, T, TH
​HS Credit: 1   (Honors level available)

Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra II at ACA OR successful completion of placement test
Curriculum: Math-U-See with supplements
  • Math-U-See Precalculus Student Pack including Student Text and Test Booklet 
  • Math-U-See Precalculus Instructor Manual with Lesson Book 
​
Consumer Math*
Description coming soon!

Targeted Grade Level: 11th, 12th
Teacher: TBD
Central Days: M, T, TH 
Satellite Day Work Load: W, F (1 hour each)
HS Credit: 1  
Prerequisite: 
Curriculum:
​

Physics with Labs
Description coming soon!

Teacher: TBD
Central Days:  M, T, TH
HS Credit: 1  (Honors level available)
Prerequisite: must be also taking Algebra II
Curriculum: 
  • Apologia Exploring Creation with Physics textbook, 2nd edition*
  • Notebook, paper and pencil, scientific calculator 

French II
Description coming soon!


​Central Days: M, T, TH
​HS Credit: 1

Curriculum: Various (supplied)

Spanish II
Students continue to develop an understanding of the grammar, syntax, and usage of the Spanish language in oral and written form. Verb tenses include present, present and past progressive, preterite, imperfect, and possibly future and perfect tenses. Using varied activities such as dialogue presentations, skits, a puppet show, a fashion show and writing booklets, students learn to read, converse and write in a more complex manner using vocabulary about pastimes, clothing, cars, and animals. They complete a cultural study of a Spanish-speaking country. Students recite more advanced Bible verses. 


Central Days: M, T, TH
HS Credit: 1

Curriculum: Various
​Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish I

Beyond the classroom:
Numerous opportunities for spiritual growth, student leadership development, and enrichment are also available. Parent-run electives, game time, and a spiritually-focused opening are built into the central day schedule. Field trips are coordinated with the teachers to maximize the educational and/or character development benefit of each trip. Class trips are scheduled in May with further educational and community-building opportunities.

Innovative Learning Program
ACA will grant high school credit for learning beyond school. Complete an Innovative Learning Proposal, discuss your plan with the assigned teacher, keep a log of your work, meet with your supervising teacher periodically, and earn credits!
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